Potato salad is a classic side dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. This Mediterranean-inspired version is a refreshing twist on the traditional recipe, with fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and extra virgin olive oil.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 15 minutes
How Many Servings?
4 servings
Table of Contents
When I harvested my potatoes early this year, I was inspired to recreate my mom’s classic potato salad recipe that always brings back fond memories of family barbeques and picnics. Growing up, my mom’s potato salad was a light and refreshing dish packed with fresh herbs like mint and parsley, tangy lemon juice, and rich olive oil. With my garden’s abundance of fresh herbs, I knew I had to make my version of this classic Mediterranean Potato Salad. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether hosting a backyard barbeque or packing a picnic lunch, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
What Type of Potato Should I Use?
The type of potato you choose can make a difference in the texture and flavor of your potato salad. While you can use any potato for this recipe, it’s essential to ensure that all the potatoes are of similar size so that they cook evenly.
Starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho potatoes are creamy and absorbent, making them perfect for soaking up the dressing. On the other hand, waxy potatoes such as red or fingerling potatoes tend to be firmer and are popular choices for potato salad. These potatoes have less starch and hold their shape well after cooking.
All-purpose potatoes like Yukon Gold, All Blue, or Purple Majesty can be used for any recipe as they have the right balance of starch and moisture, making them versatile for different dishes. Ultimately, the type of potato you choose is a matter of personal preference, and any variety will work well for this Mediterranean Potato Salad recipe.
How Long to Boil The Potato for Mediterranean Potato Salad
When preparing potatoes for Mediterranean potato salad, the general rule is to boil them whole for about 10-15 minutes or until they are just about tender. Overcooking your potatoes can turn your salad into a mushy mess, so it’s essential to keep a close eye on them. I learned this the hard way after ending up with a Mediterranean potato salad that had a baby food texture.
One helpful tip to ensure even cooking is to cut larger potatoes to be the same size as smaller ones. This becomes particularly important when using potatoes of different shapes and sizes, like the ones I harvested from my garden. Cutting them all to a similar size will ensure they cook evenly, resulting in a more consistent texture.
If, by chance, you do overcook your potatoes, don’t worry! They can still be used for things like mashed potatoes or potato cakes. But for the best Mediterranean potato salad, follow these tips to avoid turning your potatoes into mush.
How to Serve Mediterranean Potato Salad:
This Mediterranean potato salad makes an ideal side dish for your upcoming barbecue. It complements beautifully with succulent BBQ ribs, grilled asparagus, zucchini, and a refreshing Fattoush or Greek salad bowl. It also pairs nicely with straightforward oven-roasted chicken or beef. The diverse combination of flavors and textures in this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. So, be sure to include this delectable salad in your menu planning for your next barbecue!
Variations
If you’re looking to add a twist to this Mediterranean potato salad, here are several variations worth trying:
- Incorporate chopped hard-boiled eggs to boost the protein content.
- Introduce diced bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch and freshness.
- Experiment with a different herb combination, like dill and chives, in place of parsley and mint.
- Swap out the lemon for vinegar or lime juice to achieve a unique tangy flavor.
- Enhance creaminess and saltiness by adding crumbled feta cheese.
- Infuse a Mediterranean flair by tossing in cherry tomatoes or sliced olives.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the dressing.
- Explore various oil options by substituting extra virgin olive oil with choices like avocado oil or sunflower oil for a distinct flavor profile.
These variations allow you to customize your Mediterranean potato salad to suit your preferences and surprise your taste buds with different flavors and textures. Enjoy experimenting!
Preparation
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dry mint, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Let the potato salad marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy!
Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with this delicious potato salad! This side dish is made with fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and creamy potatoes, perfect for family barbecues and gatherings.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 15 minutes
How Many Servings?
4 servings
Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
| 2 pounds small potatoes of any kind will work | |
| 1 lemon zest plus the juice | |
| ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil | |
| 1 clove garlic (minced) | |
| ½ cup fresh chopped mint | |
| 1 teaspoon salt | |
| 1 teaspoon black pepper | |
| 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped) | |
| 1/2 cup fresh mint (chopped) |
Preparation
Rana’s Notes!
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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